Monday 11 May 2020

First net zero fire stations in US receive national recognition

The first net zero fire stations in the US have been recognised with environmental sustainability certifications from the US Green Building Council.

The facilities in Salt Lake City, which have received LEED Platinum and Gold certifications, were both opened in 2018 and were reported as the 'first stations in the nation' built to produce no emissions.

The two stations generate power from more than 300 solar panels which produce enough electricity to offset 100% of their annual power consumption.

Other green features of the stations include LED lighting, improved air quality, geothermal heating and cooling, low-flow plumbing and low-water landscaping.

Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City's Mayor, said: "The city is committed to building green and these two stations were prime opportunities for us to show that commitment."

Karl Lieb, Salt Lake City's Fire Department Chief, commented: "We are honoured to receive this national recognition. Salt Lake City's Fire Department takes our responsibility to protect the community seriously.

"This is what we do every day in responding to incidents and emergencies and it's what we are doing at a systems-level in how we construct and manage buildings, source renewable energy and support cleaner-fueled vehicles."